Rosemary Margaret Schmelzer

Rosemary (Rosie) M. Schmelzer, age 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 30, 2016 with family by her side.  She was the first of three children born March 20, 1924 in Madison, WI to Frank and Martha (LaCrosse) Esser.  She graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1942. Rosie went to work in Cross Plains for Dr. Lappley, and then started at the State Bank of Cross Plains as their first female employee. She met the love of her life, Bob Schmelzer, at a local dance, and married him on Sept. 3, 1945. Later, Rosie's desire to be a mother lead them to begin the adoption process. Over the next few years they were blessed with three children. Rosemary dedicated her life to her family.  She supported her husband by helping with tasks related to his position with the Village of Cross Plains.  As her children were growing, she continued her banking career at The Bank of Middleton, from where she eventually retired. Rosie enjoyed volunteering as a Girl Scout Troop leader and for the American Red Cross blood drives. Over the years, she held leadership positions with the St. Francis Xavier CCW, and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 245. She was an animal lover, taking in strays and giving a loving home to dogs, cats, and even a pet monkey! Rosemary spent many hours in her gardens, weeding, planting, and harvesting vegetables and flowers. She was very strong in her faith, providing daily transportation to church services for those who couldn't drive. Rosemary enjoyed traveling with Bob, reading, playing cards, and socializing with friends. Her greatest joy and accomplishment was raising her children, seeing her family grow, and spending precious time with her grandchildren. Rosemary is survived by her three children: Randy (Sherrie) Schmelzer, Rita (Louie) Spahn, Suzanne Brooks, her grandchildren: Tony (Beth) Schmelzer, Sarah Schmelzer, Lori (Dan) Tanner, Kurt (Erika) Spahn, Troy Spahn, Brandon Brooks, Ashley Brooks, step grandchildren: Chris Perron, Jenny Thompson, great grandchildren: Savannah, Lucas, Brooke, step great grandchildren: Amayah and Randall, sister: Virginia Faust, and in-laws Delores Schmelzer and Paul Prusaitis. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert W. Schmelzer, parents, brother: Marvin Esser, and in-laws: Albert and Anna Schmelzer, Raymond Faust, Jean Prusaitis, Norman and Richard Schmelzer.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS  XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 3, 2016 with Father Thomas Kelley presiding, where a Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30 am until the time of the service at the church.  A luncheon will follow the services.  The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, Milestone Senior Living, and Agrace HospiceCare for all of their dedication and support.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, St. Francis CCW, or Alzheimers & Dementia Alliance, Madison Chapter. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.Gunderson Cross PlainsFuneral & Cremation Care2421 Church Street(608)798-3141